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WESTERVILLE, Ohio - The top-seeded Otterbein University softball team dropped both games on day one of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Tournament, falling to four-seeded Heidelberg in game one, 6-1, before a 10-2 defeat to second-seeded Ohio Northern in an elimination game.

Otterbein, which is ranked No. 18 in the latest NFCA national poll, exits the tournament with a 29-7-2 overall record and awaits the NCAA Division III Selection Show to see if it will receive an at-large bid. The show can be seen at NCAA.com on Monday at 1 p.m.

Game 1 vs. #4 Heidelberg

The Cardinals fell behind 2-0 in the first inning of play, as the Berg managed to push across a pair of runs on two hits including a leadoff, solo home run by Bailey Smith. Heidelberg then worked two walks and reached on a fielder's choice to setup Kyleah Brey with a run-scoring single through the left side of the infield. 

Heidelberg added another run in the top half of the third inning on catcher Mikaela Mitsch's solo blast over the right field fence, giving the Student Princes a 3-0 advantage. The lone run of the game for the Cards came in the bottom half of the inning when junior Chey Rowe led off the frame with a walk and then came around to score on a double down the left field line by sophomore Bailey McElwain.

Otterbein managed to string together six hits over the remaining four innings, but to avail, as the Cards left five runners on base over that span. Starting pitcher Rachael Owens, who was named OAC 'Player of the Year' this afternoon, tossed five innings and allowed four earned runs, on four hits and three walks, while striking out four batters. Sophomore Hannah Smith came on in relief to throw two innings and allow two runs, neither earned, while walking two and striking out one.

Game 2 vs. #2 Ohio Northern

Otterbein took an early 1-0 lead in the top half of the first inning after collecting three hits, including Garner's single to right center field which scored Flasco from second base. The Cardinals increased their lead to 2-0 in the fourth frame as junior Tory Speakman doubled to right center field, scoring Owens.

The Cardinals then surrendered four runs on five hits in the fifth inning, while also commiting two errors, as the Polar Bears took their first lead of the game at 4-2. Ohio Northern plated six more runs the following inning in a variety of ways, reaching on an error, getting hit with the bases loaded and ultimately collecting four hits to force a run rule.

Starting pitcher Gabby Johnson went just over four innings in the circle for the loss, allowing four earned runs on four hits and three walks while fanning two batters. Smith logged an inning and a third of work, allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts.

All-OAC teams were also announced over the weekend, as the Cards landed seven players across the three squads and the coaches were chosen as OAC Coaching Staff of the Year. First team selections included junior Molly Riggs, sophomores Rachael Owens, Megan Garner, Maddie Flasco, and Bailey McElwain. Freshmen Gabby Johnson and Alyson Shaw earned honorable mention recognition.